The Big Easel: Sunflowers

In 2026, the Town of Altona completed the recreation of the Big Easel featuring Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers, preserving one of Manitoba's most recognizable landmarks for future generations.

 

“Sunflowers” – 1998-2025                                                          “Sunflowers” - 2026  

Since 1998, the Big Easel featuring Vincent van Gogh's Sunflowers has welcomed visitors from near and far, becoming one of Manitoba's most recognizable landmarks and a lasting symbol of Altona's identity as the Sunflower Capital of Manitoba and home of the annual Manitoba Sunflower Festival.

The landmark was the vision of local artist and educator Cameron Cross, who imagined a giant steel easel displaying a recreation of one of Van Gogh's most celebrated Sunflowers paintings. His vision became a reality and, for the past 27 years, the Big Easel has stood as a source of community pride and a must-see destination for visitors.

After nearly three decades of exposure to Manitoba's climate, the original artwork reached the end of its lifespan. In 2025, the Town of Altona launched a project to recreate the painting, ensuring this beloved landmark could continue welcoming residents and visitors for generations to come.

Cameron Cross returned to lead the recreation, carefully reproducing the artwork while incorporating modern materials and construction techniques designed to significantly extend its lifespan.

The recreated artwork consists of four panels, each measuring 8 feet by 24 feet, creating a finished canvas measuring 24 feet wide by 32 feet tall. Built on marine-grade ¾-inch plywood and reinforced with two layers of fiberglass mat, the panels provide superior resistance to moisture and weather. The artwork was finished using an industrial automotive coating system, including a textured finish that recreates Van Gogh's distinctive brushstrokes while providing exceptional durability. A final automotive clear coat was applied to protect the painting for years to come.

    

            Photo: Edward Vincent Arcenal. July 20, 2026                    Photo: D&W Productions June 20, 2026                          Photo: D&W Productions June 23, 2026

Once completed, the four panels were mounted to the existing 8,000-pound steel frame. The seams between the panels were carefully blended to create the appearance of one continuous painting before the completed structure was lifted by crane onto the 23-metre steel easel on July 20, 2026.

The recreation project was made possible through a combination of insurance proceeds, municipal funding, and generous donations from local businesses, organizations, and individual community members following feedback received through the Town's community survey.

Project Supporters

The Town of Altona gratefully acknowledges the organizations and individuals whose generosity made this project possible.

Among Organizations

• Bunge Canada
• Sun Valley Co-op Ltd.
• Green Valley Equipment
• Golden West Radio
• Elmer's Manufacturing
• Friesens Corporation
• Red River Mutual Insurance
• Altona Community Foundation

 

The Town extends its sincere thanks to Cameron Cross, our sponsors, donors, project partners, and everyone who supported the recreation of this beloved landmark.

Today, the restored Big Easel continues to welcome residents and visitors from around the world, standing as a lasting symbol of Altona's rich history, vibrant arts community, and the Manitoba Sunflower Festival.